Love and Apollo by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page B

make a speech as soon as you arrive.”
    â€œWhy should I have to do that?” she asked rather disagreeably.
    â€œMama told me that when Royal persons arrive in a foreign country, they are always met by the Prime Minister and Members of the Cabinet.  After they bid you welcome, you are expected to reply in their language.”
    â€œWell, it had better be short, otherwise I shall not remember what I am to say!”
    Valona had already written down a little speech for Lady Rose to make.
    She tried to teach it to her word by word, but she had the feeling that Lady Rose was not listening, but was anxious to get away from her.
    The next day Valona tried once again, but she flatly refused.
    Then she realised it was because she wanted to be with the Marquis.  They spent the afternoons sitting close together in a shady part of the ship, where they could not be seen or overheard by any of the crew.
    Valona sensed it was no use trying to disturb them and because the Duke was afraid that was what she might do, he challenged her to a game of deck tennis.
    Valona had never played it before, but she picked it up quickly and although the Duke won easily, she managed to make him fight for it.
    Dinner was a quiet meal with the Duke doing most of the talking.
    The Marquis and Rose just gazed at each other.
    Valona by this time was absolutely convinced that they were in love and she felt that the whole situation must be most difficult for them.
    She was somewhat worried in case she did anything wrong and so she said to the Duke the next day when they were alone,
    â€œI have been attempting to encourage Lady Rose to learn a short speech for when she arrives at Larissa, but she does not seem at all interested. I just feel that she is unhappy at having to marry the King.”
    â€œOf course, she is unhappy, Valona, but the Queen made it almost a command.  In any case it is hopeless for Rose to stay on in England without being able to see my friend Gerald.”
    Valona thought that this was a strange thing to say.
    She merely glanced at the Duke questioningly and he explained,
    â€œYou must realise by now that they are in love with each other – it is impossible for them to hide it.  But there is nothing they can do.”
    â€œBecause the Marquis is married?” Valona asked in a low voice.
    â€œIf you know that fact, I suppose whoever told you added the information that his wife is incurably mad!”
    Valona looked startled.
    Her mother had said that the Marquis was married, but she had certainly not added that information about his wife.
    There was a silence before Valona remarked,
    â€œIt must be very sad for him – ”
    â€œIt is a terrible tragedy.  She was very beautiful and apparently charming in every possible way.  No one told him that she had certain seizures and although he has consulted dozens of doctors, they have been able to do nothing for her.”
    Valona thought it was the most dreadful story.
    â€œI am sorry, so very very sorry.  Of course, Lady Rose does not want to leave him and everyone else she loves.”
    â€œYou must help her if you can,” urged the Duke.
    â€œOf course I will.  She is so sweet and I want her to be happy, but if you cannot do anything, who can?”
    â€œI suppose, Valona, that if Gerald and Rose were of little importance, they could run away together and would soon be forgotten, but they come from powerful families, who would both suffer from the scandal, and if Rose had children they would not have a name.”
    Valona felt it was the saddest situation that anyone could be in.
    She was thus more attentive and gentler with Lady Rose than she had been before.
    It was as she was fastening her gown before dinner that Lady Rose blurted out,
    â€œI think you realise, Valona, how unhappy I am.”
    â€œYour brother has told me,” she replied, “and I am so very sorry for you.”
    â€œI am sorry for myself,